Don’t Try This One Hike in New Jersey If You’re Afraid of Heights

Located in a relatively quiet corner of Northern New Jersey, not too far from the New York state border, Farny State Park is one of the less-visited state parks in the Garden State. That means it's an amazing place to go hiking, bird-watching, or fishing if you want a more peaceful experience. But that peace and natural beauty can be deceptive, because it's also home to a challenging trek often called the most extreme hike in New Jersey. Coming in at eleven miles and boasting a daunting elevation gain and some challenging terrain, this is the kind of hike that you don't do on a whim. But for those who have conquered it, the rewards are always well worth it.

Splitrock Reservoir Trail might look like a simple loop trail from a glimpse at the map, but it's anything but. The terrain changes constantly, and you'll often feel like you're in another world from the busy Garden State. It's a wild adventure that takes you into some of the park's most unspoiled areas, and at the end, you'll feel like you didn't just experience this trail—you conquered it.

Splitrock Reservoir is one of the most beautiful spots in Northern New Jersey, a sprawling man-made lake surrounded by beautiful landscapes, especially during the fall. There are plenty of ways to explore the area, but one challenging hike lets you see it all from different angles.

Clocking in at 11 miles with a 1,624-foot elevation gain, the Splitrock Reservoir Trail takes you through forests, swamps, lakeside trails, and eventually ledges and mountains. It's best attempted with some hiking experience and a good pair of boots, because you should prepare for the unexpected around every corner.

While the trail is well-maintained and considered a safe hiking route, it's very rugged, and the path isn't always marked clearly. The terrain can change quickly, but the unpredictability adds to the feeling of adventure as you start to ascend the cliffs.

The trek up the hills can be challenging, but once you ascend the overlook that gives you the best possible view of Splitrock Reservoir, it's well worth it. This hike is a full-day adventure, but for fans of thrills and sights, it's a trek well worth taking.

Have you experienced what many are calling the most extreme hike in New Jersey yet? If not, tell a friend about this article, because a journey like this is always best taken with company. You can see more photos of the trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and we think this is the type of hike that AllTrails + is made for—with a remote hike where the trail isn't always clearly marked, this app's downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions make it easy to always keep track of where you are.

If you're looking for an easier, family-friendly hike in the area as well, Apshawa Preserve is only a short drive away in Butler. You're also only a hop, skip, and jump away from this charming Airbnb with a hot tub in West Milford, if you're looking for a unique place to stay. And if you need a few more ideas for exploring this remote area of New Jersey, check out Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner and let it design a custom itinerary for your New Jersey adventure!